Coverage or Penalties: Sunday is Deadline for ACA Health Plan

by John Michaelson/TNS

AUSTIN, Texas – There are just days left for those in need of health insurance to sign up for a plan under the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Cara James, director of the Office of Minority Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says Sunday the 15 is the last day of open enrollment for coverage this year.

She notes with the financial assistance that’s available for those eligible, a majority of people are finding policies within their budgets.

“Many individuals, about 8 out of 10 of those, will be able to find coverage for about $100 or less with the tax credit,” James says. “So coverage continues to be more affordable for a number of individuals.”

People who miss the Sunday deadline will not be able to sign up for marketplace coverage for 2015, except under special circumstances, such as the loss of other health insurance or the birth of a child.

While the process may appear at first to be daunting for the average consumer, James says shopping for and comparing plans online is really not that complex, although she notes that face-to-face help is available for those who need it.

“If they’re feeling a little uncomfortable, there are other options,” says James. “They can go to localhelp.healthcare.gov and find a list of trained individuals in their community who can provide in-person assistance to complete the application.”

For those who don’t have health insurance in 2015, the maximum tax penalty will be $325 per person or $975 for a family, more than triple the maximum fines for being without health insurance in 2014.